Outback Pioneers wins gold for unique take on outback tourism

For the second year running, Outback Pioneers (previously Kinnon & Co) of Longreach has taken out the gold award for Cultural Tourism at the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards.

Founder, owner and present day outback pioneer, Richard Kinnon, said the Australian outback culture is something to be celebrated and Outback Pioneers is about getting to the heart of our heritage and helping visitors unleash their own pioneering spirit.

“It’s all about sharing the outback we love with visitors,” Richard said.

“Many city folk don’t realise what’s out here and we’re determined to change that with world-class ways to involve visitors in the amazing history and spirit of our region.”

The Outback Pioneers experiences combine entertainment, humour, inspiration and getting up close to the real outback.

The Kinnon family’s Kinnon & Co Outback Accommodation in Longreach also won a gold award at the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards for the second year running.

The accommodation, which features a range of different options, including the deluxe 4½-star Homestead Stables and 4-star Pioneer Slab Huts, also shows the Kinnons’ passion for outback heritage and their desire to immerse visitors in a genuine and unique outback experience.

The entire Outback Accommodation complex is inspired by outback heritage and the deluxe options have been custom-built using traditional techniques, unique fittings and local crafts. Guests in the deluxe accommodation also enjoy the wonderful outdoor bath terrace, which has become an iconic image of the region.

The Outback Pioneers experiences and Kinnon & Co Outback Accommodation have together welcomed around 25,000 visitors in the 2017 season. It’s an outback success story helping support a region that has been doing it tough through years of drought.